Kent assistant coach Matt Walker has backed Geraint Jones to “come back stronger” after the wicketkeeper was recalled from his loan at Gloucester after developing an eye problem.

Former England gloveman Jones, who turns 38 next month, scored 136 Championship runs in four innings for Gloucestershire and 50 more in two T20 games, as well as taking six catches, before being hit by CSR – a complaint which sees fluid build-up under the retina, blurring one’s vision.

Jones tweeted to tell fans he was: “Gutted not to be playing cricket at the moment. I have a developed an eye condition. Hopefully, it will sort itself out soon.

“Eyesight is something you take for granted till it’s compromised. I’m fortunate that mine will clear up.”

Geraint Jones

Walker - a former teammate of the Kent veteran, who fell behind Sam Billings in the pecking order this season - said: “It’s blurred vision in one eye which is causing an issue. They don’t know why it’s happened or quite how long it’s going to take to disappear - days, weeks or months.

“I obviously feel really sorry for him, having gone away, having the opportunity to play for Gloucester and having played brilliantly for them.

“It’s been a great move for him and for Gloucester. I’m really pleased to see him doing well. He is a player that deserved that loan move and he’s been a magnificent servant for Kent.”

He added: “It’s a really tough blow and hopefully it sorts itself out and he comes back stronger.”